A new message from your friends at People For the American Way.
***********************
Anne,
Americans simply cannot afford another wave of Republican victories in next year's midterm elections -- it would spell disaster for our country.
As one of our best supporters, you know this as well anyone. That's why I'm asking you to renew your PFAW membership for 2018 early, with a generous gift right now, so we can continue building the programs that will help take back Congress and stop the Trump-McConnell-Ryan agenda in its tracks.
act.pfaw.org/donate/renew-early-2018/&utm_medium=email&utm_source=fr&utm_campaign=earlyrenew2018&t=1008
I want to be very clear. The stakes are higher than they have ever been.
So we need a massive first wave of 1,000 early renewed members in just the next 4 days to let us know that we can go as big as we need to go in the 2018 elections and our other critical work.
Trump’s election changed everything … and now we desperately need to restore vital checks and balances to protect the country from his attacks on the American Way.
And we need to make sure we’re strong enough RIGHT NOW to continue our urgent, ongoing work to defend democracy and voting rights, hold the Trump administration accountable -- including with our current lawsuit against Jeff Sessions’ Justice Department -- and to elect young progressive leaders at every level so we can rebuild progressive power, from the ground up, all across this country and pave a new path forward that lives up to our core constitutional values.
That's why I urge you not to wait and make your renewal contribution for 2018 right now.
act.pfaw.org/donate/renew-early-2018/&utm_medium=email&utm_source=fr&utm_campaign=earlyrenew2018&t=1009
Thanks in large part to your support and activism, we were successful in sinking the latest Republican attempt to rip away health care from millions of Americans! But do you think they’ll stop?
No, they’ll try to figure out new ways to pass Trumpcare -- like by manipulating the budget process or changing procedural rules.
In fact, the Washington Post just reported that Republicans “have little interest” in working across the aisle to improve Obamacare -- instead they’re hoping for more instability surrounding health care policy in hopes that they can use it as a political weapon against Democrats.
Let that sink in. They're willing to let countless Americans suffer in an effort to achieve some political advantage.
Right-wing Republicans are also trying to pass massive, reckless tax giveaways for the wealthy and corporations and gut vital programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and education.
What we saw with the theft of the Supreme Court seat in which right-wing extremist Neil Gorsuch now sits, as well as the tenacity of their efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, should be every indication we need that Trump Republicans will stop at NOTHING to enact their dangerous agenda … and they’ll stop at nothing to win the 2018 elections.
They’re ready to use voter suppression tactics and dump untold millions of dollars into smearing progressive candidates -- including many of our best allies currently in Congress -- with fake news and lies … it worked for them in 2016, and they’re ready to pull out the same playbook.
It’s up to us to stop them.
So, please, will you let me know you’re with us by renewing early for 2018 with your most generous membership donation now?
act.pfaw.org/donate/renew-early-2018/&utm_medium=email&utm_source=fr&utm_campaign=earlyrenew2018&t=1010
Thank you for all you do,
Michael Keegan, President
act.pfaw.org/donate/renew-early-2018/&utm_medium=email&utm_source=fr&utm_campaign=earlyrenew2018&t=1011

Friend --
Let's walk and talk.
I was lucky enough to spend seven years --
almost two terms -- playing Josh Lyman on
The West Wing. We left our White House
more than a decade ago -- but as I look
around today, one of the show's big ideas
still jumps out at me: It's a world where every
political issue, no matter how complex, is seen
in terms of the lives it affects.
(Believe me, it didn't seem so crazy at the time.)
Every single character in our "administration" --
from President Bartlet to Josh to C.J. to, yes,
even Toby -- cared deeply about the people
they represented.
That's not something that should be confined
to a fictional White House.
Our elected officials should answer only to us.
Not just on Election Day, or at certain moments ...
but in every decision they make. Because in a
good democracy, whether it's in real life or on a
TV show, the power of the people is stronger than
that of lobbyists and special interests.
That's because at the end of the day, we're the
only ones with the right to vote.
It's the most powerful tool we have as citizens --
and today, on National Voter Registration Day, I'm
asking you to work with OFA and help give people
an easy way to get registered:
my.ofa.us/Build-A-Fair-Democracy
This isn't just about showing up to the polling place
one morning in 2018 or even 2020. It's about doing
our job as citizens every single day -- being informed,
engaged, and ready to make a difference, and
making sure our friends and family are, too.
That's how we'll build a fair democracy -- one where
power doesn't lie with lobbyists in Washington, but
with people who care about the issues that affect
our lives.
And that's how we'll deliver real, lasting change.
If you're ready to get to work, let OFA know:
my.ofa.us/Build-A-Fair-Democracy
Thanks,
Bradley Whitford

A new message from your friends at People For the American Way.
***********************
Hearing TODAY on bills to protect the special prosecutor's Russia investigation from Trump meddling! Sign the petition!>>
act.pfaw.org/sign/legislation-protect-mueller/
Anne,
A hearing for a pair of bills to protect Mueller’s Russia investigation is happening in the Senate TODAY.
Let senators know that they need to do all they can to protect the special counsel investigation from the potential of interference by Trump -- Americans deserve the TRUTH!
Add your name now: Tell your members of Congress to support legislation that will keep Trump from interfering in Robert Mueller's investigation>>
act.pfaw.org/sign/legislation-protect-mueller/
Thanks for standing up for democracy, the rule of law, and checks and balances -- the American Way.
-- Katie, O'Connell, Digital Communications Coordinator
----
donate:
act.pfaw.org/donate/support-pfaw-today/

Latest from Lamar, Notes from the Senate Desk
*I had the
privilege of greeting veterans traveling to Washington, D.C., on September 13
with Honor Flight of Middle Tennessee.*
*The group of 25 World
War II, Korean and Vietnam War veterans visited the World War II
Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the
Lincoln Memorial, and witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb
of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.*
*An update
on the Senate's work on health insurance
For the past month, I
have been working in a bipartisan way in the Senate health committee on a
limited, balanced proposal to limit premium increases next year for
the 350,000 Tennesseans who purchase their health insurance in the
individual market. The committee held four excellent hearings and had more
than half of the Senate participate in our discussions. However, we
were unable to find the necessary consensus among Republicans and
Democrats to put a bill in the Senate leaders' hands that could be enacted.
Leader McConnell has said he intends to move to a bill that would
repeal and replace Obamacare, offered by Senators Graham, Cassidy, Heller
and Johnson. This bill would block grant money to states - something
I have always favored to give states more flexibility in education,
health care and other areas. It moves decisions about health insurance
out of Washington and back to states. I am continuing to carefully
review the plan, but it appears to be good for Tennessee.
*Encouraging administration nominees to create **clear guidelines for employee
wellness programs to promote better health and lower costs *
Last
Tuesday, the Senate labor committee, which I chair, held a confirmation
hearing for two of President Trump's nominees to the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This commission investigates
allegations of discrimination and issues guidance on how it believes employers
should interpret and apply laws and regulations. During the Obama
Administration, the EEOC issued regulations that made it harder for
employers to take advantage of a provision of the Affordable Care Act that
allowed them to discount employees' health insurance premiums for
healthy lifestyle choices like quitting smoking or maintaining a healthy
cholesterol level. This is one of the few parts of the Affordable Care
Act everybody agreed on - there is a consensus that leading a healthy
lifestyle reduces the need for health care and saves money and lives. I
encouraged the nominees to create clear rules for these
employer-sponsored wellness programs.
The committee also considered the
nomination of Carlos Muniz to serve as the General Counsel at the Department
of Education.
*Supporting the military and their
families*
Last Monday, I voted for the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA) - a bill that shows the men and women who serve in
our armed forces that they are a top priority. We owe these service
members a debt of gratitude, and this bill helps ensure they receive
the support and resources they need. The bill authorizes pay raises for
our troops at Ft. Campbell and the Naval Support Activity Mid-South in
Millington, and modernizes the military health care system to expand
access to care for military families. Finally, this legislation
strengthens our national security by supporting important programs at the
Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge to help maintain our nuclear
weapons arsenal.

1600 Daily
click.mail.whitehouse.gov/
Hurricane Maria
The top priority of the federal government in regard to Hurricane Maria is to provide life, safety, and life sustaining resources to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FEMA and its federal partners continue to conduct 24-hour operations, aggressively conducting search and rescue operations, bringing additional essential commodities to the islands, and restoring power at hospitals, ports, airports, and other critical facilities. Find
click.mail.whitehouse.gov/
up-to-date information on the response to
click.mail.whitehouse.gov/
Puerto Rico and the
click.mail.whitehouse.gov/
U.S. Virgin Islands, how to help, and how to search for loved ones. You can also
click.mail.whitehouse.gov/
apply for assistance.
Expanding Access to High-Quality STEM and Computer Science Education
Yesterday, joined by over 50 students, President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum expanding access to high-quality STEM and Computer Science education to K-12 students. Also in attendance were Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta, Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump, as well as several congressional representatives. This Memorandum establishes STEM education as one of the Department of Education’s priorities and establishes a goal of devoting at least $200 million per year in grant funds towards this priority.
click.mail.whitehouse.gov/
Read more
First Lady at Invictus Games
First Lady Melania Trump made her first solo international trip as First Lady to the Invictus Games in Toronto. A Presidential delegation of about 100 athletes participated in the games - an international, multi-sport event founded by Prince Harry of Wales, where wounded armed service members and veterans compete in various sporting events. The event pays tribute to the fighting spirit of the men and women who have given so much for their country, sacrificing their lives to keep us safe. “You have given so much for your country. You truly are our heroes,” said First Lady Melania Trump to the athletes representing the United States. “Take that fighting spirit that I know you have and bring home the gold.”
click.mail.whitehouse.gov/
Watch the video
Photo of the Day
President Donald J. Trump signs a Presidential Memorandum Expanding Access to High Quality STEM and Computer Science Education | September 25, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)
POTUS and VP TODAY
This morning, the President will meet with bipartisan members of the House Committee on Ways and Means, followed by a briefing on hurricane recovery efforts. Later, President Trump will welcome President Mariano Rajoy of Spain to the White House.
click.mail.whitehouse.gov/
Watch the joint press conference in the Rose Garden live at 1:45pm ET. Vice President Pence will travel to the U.S. Capitol to participate in the Senate Republican Policy Lunch and hold a series of meetings with lawmakers. Later in the day, the Vice President will participate in a swearing-in ceremony for US Ambassador to Canada Kelly Knight Craft.
click.mail.whitehouse.gov/
Watch live at 5:00pm ET .
Coming Up
Tomorrow, the President will travel to Indiana to promote the Administration’s tax reform agenda.

Did you hear the latest breaking news? Senate Republican leaders
pulled the Graham-Cassidy bill and cancelled the vote when enough
Republicans pledged to vote against it.
Unity, did you hear the latest
breaking news?
Senate Republican leaders pulled
the Graham-Cassidy bill and cancelled the vote when enough
Republicans pledged to vote against it.
Let's be very clear on this:
Obamacare needs replaced with substantial fixes but putting in
place lasting reforms will require a bipartisan process.
This fight is not over because
whether we like it or not, Obamacare needs repaired and replaced
as soon as possible before it collapses.
Unity, we have a critical
fundraising deadline at the end of this month and could use your
help.
Please consider chipping in $10,
$25, $100 or whatever you can right now to help us keep fighting
for bipartisan solutions to America's challenges.
Thank you for all that you're
doing to help us get this important message out. America can do
better!
-John
Paid for by Kasich
for America, not authorized by any candidate or candidate's
committee.
www.JohnKasich.com
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Bob Corker - U.S. Senator, Tennessee
*Praying for the Victims of
the Antioch Church Shooting*
On Sunday, following reports [link 1]
of a shooting at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in Antioch, Senator
Corker asked Tennesseans to join him in prayer for the victims. The
senator was inspired by the heroism [link 2] shown as the attack took
place, especially that of a 22-year-old man who confronted the shooter.
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/Capture_5.JPG] [link 3]
Initiative to End Modern Slavery Worldwide Is
Gaining Momentum*
On Tuesday, Senator Corker, chairman of the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee and a leader in the global fight against
modern slavery, applauded the United Kingdom for matching the $25 million
U.S. contribution to the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS)
announced last week. The initial $50 million establishes a global fund
aimed at dealing a mortal wound to modern slavery and human trafficking
internationally as originally conceived and directed by the End
Modern Slavery Initiative Act, authored by Corker.
"More than two and a
half years ago, we created a bold vision to help eliminate modern
slavery and human trafficking around the world,"* said Corker*. "With more
than 27 million people enslaved, we knew we faced a massive problem
that we could not fight alone, but we believed that U.S. leadership
could galvanize tremendous support and investment from other governments
and the private sector."
"This announcement by the United Kingdom
is a prime example of what U.S. leadership can do and marks the first
major victory for the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery," *added
Corker*. "The strong alliance between the U.S. and United Kingdom extends to
our shared commitment to stamping out this scourge on humanity. I
thank Prime Minister Theresa May and her government for their steadfast
support of this effort, which is building a strong foundation for the
Global Fund that I believe will have a transformative and measurable
impact around the world."
In remarks [link 4] to the United Nations
(U.N.) General Assembly on Tuesday, President Trump referred to the
Global Fund to End Modern Slavery as one effort by the U.S. to improve
health and opportunity around the world. The president's daughter,
Ivanka Trump, is also working with Corker to advance the fight against
modern slavery and told a U.N. panel that this is the "greatest human
rights issue of our time."
Tennessean: Sen. Bob Corker: Campaign to end
modern slavery is gaining momentum [link 5]*
*Knoxville News
Sentinel (Johnson Column): British Prime Minister Theresa May joins Sen.
Bob Corker to fight modern slavery* [link 6]
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/FINAL-WhiteonBlackRedX_3.jpg]
[link 7]
*President Trump **Sends Clear Signal in Speech to UN General
Assembly*
On Wednesday, Senator Corker released the following
statement regarding President Donald J. Trump's address to the United
Nations General Assembly.
"President Trump sent a very clear signal
about what America stands for and who and what the world must stand
against," *said Corker*. "After years of ambiguous messaging, the
president's direct approach was a welcomed change, and I shared that with him
when we spoke Wednesday morning."
*Applauding President Trump*'*s
Actions Against North Korea*
Senator Corker on Thursday released the
following statement after President Donald J. Trump issued an executive
order that authorizes additional U.S. sanctions on revenue streams
that support North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
"I
support and appreciate President Trump's strong action against North
Korea and his efforts to work closely with the leaders of South Korea
and Japan to address this growing threat." *said Corker*. "We will
continue to work with the administration in its efforts to further
isolate the Kim regime while strengthening missile defenses and empowering
our allies and partners in the region."
*Joint Operation Veterans
Event in Cleveland Was a Huge Success*
On Thursday, Senator Corker
called "Joint Operation," a free event to provide veterans and their
families with a one-stop shop to access local resources and services, a
"huge success."
"The goal of Joint Operation is to make it easier
for veterans to get the help they need, and I am glad more than 300
veterans and their families took advantage of our event in Cleveland,"
*said Corker*. "It was truly inspiring to see the local community come
together to help these men and women who have served our country, and we
appreciate the city and county mayors and all the groups involved for
participating. I look forward to hosting additional Joint Operation
events across the state in the future."
An estimated 300 veterans
and their families attended Joint Operation, which featured more than 45
organizations and agencies with information on a number of resources,
including: VA claim assistance, vocational rehabilitation, education,
employment, mental health, housing, legal assistance and much
more.
The event was the second in a series of Joint Operation events
organized by Corker's office and was co-hosted by Bradley County Mayor Gary
Davis and Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland. In July, an estimated 600
veterans attended a Joint Operation event in Knoxville. Additional events
will be held across the state in the future.
Veterans who need
assistance can contact [link 8] Corker at any time by visiting
corker.senate.gov or calling any of the senator's six state
offices.
*Cleveland Daily Banner: 'Joint Operation' aids local, state vets* [link
9]
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/016_1.JPG]
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/021.JPG]
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/024.JPG]
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/wtvc.JPG] [link 10]
**Click here [link 11] or on the image above to
watch WTVC*'s report about Corker***'***s Joint Operation
event.**
Welcoming Tennesseans to Washington*
Last week, Senators Corker and
Alexander hosted more than 35 Tennesseans at "Tennessee Tuesday," a
regular breakfast held on Capitol Hill every week the Senate is in
session for visitors from the Volunteer State. For more information, click
here [link 12].
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/IMG_7921.JPG]
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/IMG_7939.JPG]
*Honoring Constitution Week at
Tennessee Schools*
Sunday, September 17 was the 230th anniversary of the
signing of the Constitution of the United States, and to mark the
occasion, students in 13 Tennessee schools participated last week in
"Constitution Week" events sponsored by the office of Senator
Corker.
"Each year, my office has the privilege of speaking with students across
the Volunteer State about the document that has served as the
foundation of our country for more than 200 years, and I am proud to join my
fellow Tennesseans in celebrating the United States Constitution in
this way," *said Corker*. "One of the ways we can honor and defend the
Constitution is to ensure the next generation of leaders understand its
importance to our liberty and values. I hope the students who
attended our events across the state walked away with an interest in our
nation's history and recognize what a blessing it is to live in the
greatest country on Earth."
The Constitution of the United States was
signed on September 17, 1787. In 1956, Congress requested that President
Eisenhower proclaim a Constitution Week each September. Corker's
office has held Constitution Week events across the Volunteer State every
year since the senator was elected to office in 2007.
*
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/image2_3.JPG]*
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/IMG_6857.JPG]
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/IMG_3658.JPG]
*Ensuring the TVA Remains a Low-Cost, Reliable Power
Producer*
Senator Corker on Thursday released the following statement
after President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to nominate Jeffrey
Smith of Tennessee, Kenneth E. Allen of Kentucky, James R. Thompson
III of Alabama and A.D. Frazier of Georgia to serve as members of the
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors.
"A
well-qualified board of directors is critical to ensuring that TVA remains a
low-cost, reliable power producer so that the Volunteer State can continue
to build on its business recruitment efforts and improve the standard
of living for Tennesseans," *said Corker*. "I thank President Trump for
moving quickly to fill these important positions, which will allow
the board to maintain a quorum and continue its important business, and
I look forward to meeting with the nominees during the confirmation
process."
"I am especially pleased with the nomination of Jeff Smith,
who has served our state and country incredibly well in his role as
Deputy Director for Operations at Oak Ridge National Laboratory,"
*added Corker*. "Jeff has a unique understanding of the importance of TVA,
and I know he is eager to give back to the region he calls home. I am
glad to recommend him to my colleagues for swift
confirmation."
*EPB and Chattanooga Playing an Important Role in Modernizing Our Power
Grid*
On Friday, Senator Corker joined Senator Lamar Alexander,
Representatives Chuck Fleischmann and Diane Black, and officials with the
Electric Power Board of Chattanooga (EPB) and Oak Ridge National
Laboratory to announce [link 13] the commissioning of a battery storage and
solar array project in Chattanooga. The project will explore the best
use of technologies that could be implemented across the country to
modernize the power grid.
"It will come as no surprise to our
community that Chattanooga and EPB are continuing to play an important role
in the modernization of our country's power grid," *said Corker*.
"Through this partnership, we will be able to better understand energy
storage and test new technologies in an effort to bring resilient and
affordable electricity to Americans. An extensive and reliable grid is
critical for a 21st century economy, and I thank EPB, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory and their partners for their work to improve our nation's
infrastructure."
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/P9210380.JPG]
[image =
corker.enews.senate.gov//images/user_images/P9210372.JPG]

A new message from your friends at People For the American Way.
***********************
Anne,
Republican leaders in the Senate are pulling out all the stops to get the final votes they need to REPEAL Obamacare and take away health care from roughly 30 million Americans.
Their deadline to pass Trumpcare with a simple majority is the end of the week. We need to keep the grassroots pressure on until the very last minute!
Please join us, along with a large coalition of Democratic members of Congress and progressive organizations, for another vital online action to tell the Senate: DON'T REPEAL THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT!
Add your name to the petition now!>>
act.pfaw.org/go/2187
Even if you already signed petitions, made phone calls, wrote letters to the editor, or attended rallies... we need to keep taking action and getting as many petitions and contacts into Congress as we can to make sure we STOP this horrific attack on Americans' health care.
Thank you for all you!
Katie O'Connell, Digital Communications Coordinator
----
donate:
act.pfaw.org/donate/support-pfaw-today/

Patricia,
How did Dean Heller and Jeff Flake wind up "On Notice"?
They voted to defund Planned Parenthood.
They voted to repeal Obamacare with no replacement in sight. In fact, Heller was the deciding vote to move one shoddy repeal bill forward just in July.
And they're the two most vulnerable Republican senators -- meaning we're confident that if we work hard, we can oust them next year.
Americans deserve better than to be represented by people like this. Donate to help defeat Heller and Flake and replace them with pro-choice Democratic women:
secure.emilyslist.org/page/contribute/20170922_email_HellerFlakeTrumpcare
Despite the fact that Americans overwhelmingly oppose Republican proposals to repeal Obamacare, Heller and Flake are still determined to make it happen. Flake is expected to support it, and Heller's so supportive of taking health care from millions that he put his name on it.
But that's par for the course for two senators more concerned about playing politics with our rights than protecting them.
We've already endorsed Jacky Rosen to take on Dean Heller in Nevada. And we are determined to recruit a candidate in Arizona to defeat Jeff Flake.
Donate to help defeat Heller and Flake -- because Americans deserve better than these two Republicans and their dangerous agenda:
secure.emilyslist.org/page/contribute/20170922_email_HellerFlakeTrumpcare
Thanks,
Jenna Kruse
Vice President of Research, EMILY's List

A new message from your friends at People For the American Way.
***********************
Anne,
Every morning when you wake up, do you hope to realize that this has all just been a bad dream?
That Donald Trump can't really be president ... that Mitch McConnell can't really be the most powerful person in Congress, and that Neil Gorsuch can't really be on the Supreme Court in the seat that McConnell stole…
This year has been about surviving it. 2018 is about turning the whole damn thing around and putting this country back on the right path.
It’s that time of year again: Today, we launch our 2018 early membership renewal campaign.
Will you be among the first wave of top PFAW supporters to RENEW EARLY with a donation of $7 or more and let us know you’re with us to take our country back in 2018?
act.pfaw.org/donate/renew-early-2018/&utm_medium=email&utm_source=fr&utm_campaign=earlyrenew2018&t=1008
Extreme right-wing attacks on the American Way have not let up for a second -- and the 2018 midterm elections are paramount in stopping Trump Republicans in their tracks.
We're also embarking on the urgent and necessary work of taking our country back from the ground up, of rebuilding progressive power in the states ... this is work we've already begun with our Next Up Victory Fund and our deep investment in helping progressives win in this year's statewide elections in the critical bellwether state of Virginia.
And there is other work going on RIGHT NOW that has upped the urgency of making sure our best members like you are renewed early:
Amazingly, even as I write this, we’re still fighting tooth and nail to beat back the repeal of Obamacare.
This year is poised to end with a knock-down-drag-out fight over reckless tax giveaways for billionaires and corporations and a right-wing budget that attacks Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education, and other critical priorities. We must defend working families and vulnerable Americans from the Right’s extremist fiscal agenda.
We’re suing the Trump administration to get answers about Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ claim that the FBI instructed him not to disclose his meetings with Russian officials. And our affiliate PFAW Foundation just signed on to the case the Supreme Court will hear about Trump’s Muslim ban.
We’re aggressively taking on the Trump administration’s assault on voting rights via its sham commission designed to justify voter suppression laws and headed by the Right’s most notorious vote suppressors.
We’re fighting at the state and local levels to enact laws that will help mitigate the disastrous impact of Citizens United and get big money out of politics.
And we’re fighting hard against Trump Republicans’ attacks on vulnerable communities, which they are escalating every day -- from ending DACA and imperiling the futures of 800,000 DREAMers to increasing moves by the Trump-Sessions Justice Department to undermine civil rights and criminalize communities of color.
This is why we need to know you’re standing with us -- both now AND for the absolutely crucial year to come.
Will you continue your support for PFAW and all of our efforts to defend our constitutional rights and values -- the American Way -- from Trump Republicans from their attacks at every level?
Please don’t wait -- RENEW EARLY FOR 2018 with an urgent donation right now>>
act.pfaw.org/donate/renew-early-2018/&utm_medium=email&utm_source=fr&utm_campaign=earlyrenew2018&t=1009
All of our work depends on our members. Your support is everything.
I hope you’ll take this opportunity to renew early and let us know you’re IN to keep resisting, speaking out, and fighting to defend the American Way.
Thank you,
Michael Keegan, President

Patricia,
Republican governors outnumber their Democratic counterparts more than two to one.
But four EMILY's List women are working to flip governors' seats from red to blue:
Stacey Abrams (GA)
Gwen Graham (FL)
Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM)
Gretchen Whitmer (MI)
Donate $3 to help all of them win and shift the balance of power:
secure.emilyslist.org/page/contribute/20170922_email_GovsBlueMap
- the EMILY's List team

A message from US Senator Todd Young
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nner_logo2.png>
Hoosiers at Crane protect America
Ahead of the Senate passing legislation to authorize vital national
security programs, I spoke on the Senate floor to highlight how NSWC
Crane in Southern Indiana enhances our security. Learn more
<outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx
op=13164.8103617.5414240.189397&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.yo
utube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dVgKjL_QtnzA%26t%3d23s&redir_log=018801734714359>
about how Hoosiers at Crane contribute to our national defense, and how
we can better use their expertise to protect the American people.
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Making the tax code simpler and fairer
I'm glad Vice President Mike Pence was in Indiana on Friday to
highlight the need to reform and simplify the American tax code.
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As I travel the state and talk to everyday Hoosiers, it is clear to me
that simplifying our tax code would greatly benefit our economy, boost
job growth, and help the American people.
As we move forward into the fall, I will continue to make tax reform a
priority.
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Building America with Hoosier Steel

"Former Pres. Obama on healthcare: 'When I see
people trying to undo that hard-won progress, for
the 50th and 60th time... it is aggravating.'" xxx
If you're as aggravated as President Obama, pitch
in $3 or more before our major end-of-quarter deadline
to help elect Democrats and kick out this Congress
obsessed with undoing our progress:
my.democrats.org/September-Deadline-AB

Friend --
Senate leaders are still pushing forward with the
disastrous Graham-Cassidy repeal, trying to win the votes
of a few key senators with new clauses aimed at
helping certain states.
Even as they twist every which way to buy votes, nothing
important in the bill has changed. It would still:
-- Cause millions to lose their care
-- Undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions
-- Upend nearly 1/6 of our economy
This repeal bill is unacceptable -- we have to keep defending Obamacare.
Take action right now.
Call:
my.ofa.us/Make-A-Call
Volunteer:
my.ofa.us/Take-Action-Right-Now
Donate:
my.ofa.us/Invest-In-This-Movement
Thanks,
Organizing for Action

Healthcare and Foreign Affairs
Healthcare Update
Due to its arcane rules, the Senate faces a September 30 deadline for voting on a plan to replace Obamacare that requires a simple majority, not a 60-vote supermajority, for its passage. Current efforts center on the plan put forward chiefly by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA).
The House of Representatives passed a bill to repeal and replace Obamacare months ago, and it was frustrating to see the summer slip by with no movement on this issue by the Senate. If it manages to act by the end of the month, the House will have no options beside yes or no on the Graham-Cassidy plan. This makes it impossible for us to follow normal process and have a conference committee on the differences between the two houses. This is not a good way to legislate.
Challenges Around the Globe
The 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly convened in New York in September. Among the world leaders who addressed the meeting was President Trump, who gave an important speech outlining how his “America First” policies would guide U.S. relations with other nations.
While much attention was paid to the leaders who participated in the General Assembly, some who weren’t there were instead engaged in activities of deep importance to the United States and its allies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend the General Assembly. Instead, he attended a large-scale military exercise in the western part of his country and in Belarus. The exercise likely involved more troops than Russia publicly claimed, and they practiced with state-of-the-art equipment.
The exercises rightly unnerved Russia’s neighbors along its western border, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, which have long been targets of Russian power and suffered under decades of Soviet domination.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also was not present at the United Nations, as his country’s Communist Party Congress nears. Under his tenure, China has widened its reach around the globe, both economically and militarily.
In the South China Sea, through which an estimated one-third of global shipping travels, China’s expansive territorial claims put it at odds with several other countries, including the United States. With attention focused on other hot spots, China has asserted itself more in this region. Previously, it had built islands on reefs in dispute for military airbases. This year, China has bullied other countries to stop them from engaging in commercial activities such as drilling, in particular Vietnam. This past summer, it reportedly threatened to attack Vietnamese military bases if that country didn’t stop a gas-drilling project. Vietnam complied and ordered the project to stop.
North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un didn’t appear at the U.N., in keeping with his regime’s rogue character. Despite its isolation, his country poses a growing danger to the United States and allies in the Pacific. North Korea continues testing nuclear devices and missile systems that could deliver nuclear payloads. A nuclear-armed North Korea destabilizes the Korean Peninsula and alters the balance of power in Asia. It could strike the United States and allies such as South Korea and Japan or sell its weaponry to other rogue regimes or terrorist groups.
To increase pressure on North Korea, President Trump issued an executive order on September 21 imposing new sanctions on the country’s trade and financial sectors. By undercutting North Korea’s economy, it may have difficulty funding its nuclear program and have to come to the bargaining table, but China will have to truly participate in the sanctions for this to happen.
The activities described above each challenge the security and prosperity of the United States, although in different ways. North Korea is an avowed enemy of the United States, and the recent developments in its nuclear program are the latest in a series of provocations. The Trump Administration recognizes the gravity of this threat. Other countries need to as well. Trying to “be sweet” and placate the North Koreans hasn’t had a positive effect, so President Trump is right to take a tougher stance.
As for Russia, its military drill along the western border offers an uncomfortable reminder of its Soviet and imperial past. It should be discouraged from acting on any dreams to restore its empire. China, in contrast, is a rising power, but its rise should not be aided by bullying tactics in an area that has great importance to our economy and the economy of the rest of the world.
U.S. diplomats have a lot of work to do, but a lot is at stake.
If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.
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